Masood Ahmed

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
For the economist, see Masood Ahmed (economist).

Masood Ahmed
EastEnders character
Portrayed byNitin Ganatra
Duration2007–2019
First appearanceEpisode 3453
16 October 2007 (2007-10-16)
Last appearanceEpisode 5871
19 February 2019 (2019-02-19)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Created byDiederick Santer
Introduced byDiederick Santer (2007)
John Yorke (2017)
Spin-off
appearances
  • EastEnders: E20 (2010–2011)
  • East Street (2010)
  • The Walford Apprentice (2012)
  • Tamwar Tales – The Life of an Assistant Market Inspector
     (2013)
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Postman
  • Caterer
  • Minicab driver
  • Restaurateur
  • Teaching assistant
  • Market trader
  • Chip shop assistant
Brothers
Habiba Ahmed

Masood Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nitin Ganatra. The character made his first appearance in episode 3452, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 16 October 2007. Masood was introduced as part of the Masood family, a Pakistani-Muslim family gradually introduced across 2007 as part of plans to "diversify" the serial. This marked Ganatra's first role in soap opera and he was "nervous but excited" about joining the serial. His problematic marriage to Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), who he had previously starred alongside, served as a key storyline for the character throughout his tenure. Early storylines for the character include bankruptcy and struggling to accept his son Syed Masood's (Marc Elliott) homosexuality. Wadia and Ganatra received positive reception from viewers and critics and were nominated for several awards.

In 2011, the character had an affair with

Belinda Peacock (Carli Norris) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth
).

Ganatra's departure was announced on 1 September 2016, becoming the last member of the Masood family to leave.[1] Masood made his departure in episode 5388, broadcast on 17 November 2016. In October 2017, it was announced that Masood would be returning to the show full-time, along with members of his extended family. He made a brief appearance on 28 November 2017 and returned permanently on 1 January 2018. On 26 January 2019, it was announced Ganatra had quit the soap again and Masood departed in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019, when Masood left Albert Square to live in Australia.

Storylines

When Masood arrives in Albert Square with Zainab, Shabnam and Tamwar in October 2007, both Masood and Zainab are active in the postal industry: Masood is a postman and Zainab is the new owner of the post office in Walford. Masood goes to

PC Henderson
(Jem Wall) questions Masood about the incident and Amira says he swerved to avoid someone on a moped. The police leave and Amira says she lied because she does not want two fathers in prison.

Before Syed and Amira's wedding, Masood visits his brother

Qadim (Ramon Tikaram) arrives looking for Syed, and after Qadim and his associates beat Christian up, Christian sees Masood outside and begs for help, but Masood leaves him. The next day, Masood regrets his actions, saying that he should've helped Christian but is soon found out by Christian's sister, Jane Beale (Laurie Brett
). Jane reveals that Zainab knew about Syed's sexuality even before his wedding. Masood and Zainab argue, and he packs her belongings and physically throws her out. The couple reconcile, however, and Syed moves back into the family home. However, he eventually reunites with Christian, and Masood and Zainab cut off their son again.

Tamwar starts seeing

triple talaq
.

Yusef persuades Zainab to go on holiday with him to Pakistan, and while they are away, Amira returns with her and Syed's daughter,

Yasmin. Masood is delighted to learn that he is a grandfather, and vows to reunite and repair his family, especially when it emerges that Yusef has falsified a paternity test to show that Syed is not Yasmin's father. However, Masood despairs when he sees Zainab talking to Yusef again, and declares that he has given up on her. Yusef later tells Masood that he has moven in with Zainab. Masood goes to Jane, who has now returned to Walford divorced from Ian, and tells her he cannot be just friends with her and they kiss. The pair then begin a discreet relationship. On the day that Masood and Zainab's divorce is finalised, Syed and Amira spot Masood together with Jane. Zainab then learns of the relationship. She wishes Masood well, but also tells him that she is marrying Yusef. Masood is shocked, but supports her decision. When Yusef tells Masood and Jane about them taking Kamil to Pakistan, Zainab and Jane argue. Later, Masood and Jane go to dinner at Ian and Mandy's house. At the dinner, Ian asks how Masood and Jane's relationship can develop if Jane is not a Muslim. A drunken Jane replies that she will convert, to the amazement of Masood. Masood talks to Jane about the sacrifices she will have to make to become a Muslim, and tells her he does not expect her to convert. Jane is relieved and decides not to convert after all. Masood finds a letter from Zainab asking for help, and discovers that Yusef has kidnapped Kamil. He plans with Zainab to stop Yusef taking her to Pakistan, and eventually tracks down Kamil and the police are called on Yusef. However, Afia lets him go and he escapes to the B&B where Masood stays during a party. Yusef reveals to Masood that it was not his family who started the fire which nearly killed Zainab but he himself, before setting the building on fire. Masood is caught in the fire with Yusef but tries to save him, however, Yusef is killed while Masood is rescued. Masood and Zainab then reunite, and he later proposes. Masood's brother AJ Ahmed (Phaldut Sharma) arrives in Walford and Masood makes sure AJ avoids Zainab. AJ later proves to be a bad influence on Masood when they damage Derek Branning's (Jamie Foreman
) car with a shopping trolley. Derek later warns Masood that he has until the following day to repair the damage. When AJ discovers that Masood and Zainab are divorced, AJ later admits to Masood that he came to Walford because his wife has left him. Masood decides to catch up with AJ and tell him all about what had happened with Yusef. AJ leaves after taking Masood and Zainab's advice to reunite with his wife, but later returns when they split up for good. Zainab is unhappy when Masood says he wants to become a teaching assistant, but she eventually comes around to the idea and he starts his new job.

Christian and Syed marry, but bailiffs arrive as the mortgage for the restaurant is four months in arrears. Masood and AJ try to get money from Kamil and Tamwar's trust funds to pay them but Masood finds the bank accounts are empty. He is angry at Zainab for keeping further secrets, and Syed reveals she took the money for him, and that the business is in ruins because of him. Masood then forces Zainab to leave Walford. When she returns, Masood is angry that she was not around during financial problems. However, they reconcile.

Morgan Butcher
(Devon Higgs), Zainab blames Masood, who smashes the water feature in frustration. Ayesha tells Zainab she loves Masood and says he feels the same. Zainab tells her to leave, which she does. Masood and Zainab have several discussions and arguments, and eventually split, with Zainab taking Kamil and moving back to Pakistan.

Masood becomes close to

Aleks Shirovs (Kristian Kiehling), arrives at his house and accuses Tamwar of stealing money from the workplace, when it was actually Masood. Tamwar discovers this after Aleks leaves, and shouts and insults Masood, who retaliates by punching Tamwar in the mouth. The next day, Tamwar tries to throw Masood out of the house, but he throws a drink over him and refuses to move out. Fatboy then calls Shabnam (now played by Rakhee Thakrar
) and reveals that Masood punched Tamwar, so she returns to Albert Square permanently.

Much to Shabnam's disapproval, Masood and Jane begin dating again when she returns to Walford. Shabnam attempts to reunite Jane with her ex-husband Ian, even though Ian is now engaged to Denise. When Ian's daughter, Lucy (Hetti Bywater) is murdered (see Who Killed Lucy Beale?), Jane and Ian find solace together and have sex. Jane then breaks up with Masood and abruptly leaves Walford. Masood, having found out what had transpired between Ian and Jane, angrily accuses Ian of stealing his girlfriend but later feels remorse about confronting Ian while he was grieving. Weeks later, Masood helps Ian out at Ian's restaurant and the two make amends. Ian then offers Masood a job. Masood starts gambling once again after being denied the chance to acquire the Arjee Barjee, he uses his family's money to fund his habit

Following Shabnam's engagement to

Arthur and that Carmel knew about this, so he accuses Carmel of lying to him and punches Kush. Shabnam leaves Walford, and later, Masood learns that Zainab is getting married in Pakistan and she wants Tamwar and Kamil to attend, sending him money for plane tickets. Masood gives the money to Tamwar, who is planning to travel with his girlfriend Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill). Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White
) sets up a dating profile for Masood and he arranges a date but she leaves when she sees him, and he blames Carmel, calling her jealous. He tells Tamwar he has failed in life, prompting Tamwar to decide not to leave. However, he apologises to Carmel and she advises him to face Zainab and then go on holiday so he can move on with his life. Masood agrees to do so and books three tickets to Pakistan and Thailand, telling Masood and Nancy that the three of them can travel together. However, this does not happen and after sharing an emotional goodbye with Masood, Tamwar leaves with Nancy alone.

Masood mistakes Denise's encourages to find romance as flirting and holds her hand, upsetting Carmel, but Masood is embarrassed when he realises his mistake. Carmel later suggests she and Masood enter a casual sexual relationship as friends. Masood, although flattered, declines the offer. After he, Denise and Carmel make a pact to make the most out of life, Masood reveals that he has booked for him and Kamil to go travelling for 10 months. Carmel and Denise tell Masood that that is not a good idea as it would mean taking Kamil out of school and Carmel will miss Masood. However, Masood is adamant on going and Carmel is later stunned when she notices Masood's house is up for let, but she and Denise put it down to Masood suffering a

Shakil Kazemi (Shaheen Jafargholi
) have moved into his house. Masood is forced to move in with them but claims that he is back because Kamil was homesick, though he admits to Jane that he missed Carmel, however, Masood and Carmel end up arguing over Carmel's furniture and things between them grow tense when she accuses him of being lazy and badly influencing Shakil.

Masood later grows close to

Belinda Peacock (Carli Norris
) when attempting to help her salon business, "Elysium", out of financial difficulty. They later agree they are attracted to each other, but she wants him to invest money so he makes her choose either the money or a relationship, so she opts for the latter. Carmel and Belinda's cousin, Stacey, disapprove of the relationship, especially when Belinda attempts to change Masood's dress sense. However, Belinda and Masood have sex on the salon floor. Masood hears that Zainab is getting divorced and calls her in Pakistan to comfort her and he books two tickets to Pakistan, while Belinda leaves Walford to go travelling with a friend. Carmel tries to stop Masood leaving but he insists he is doing what is best for Kamil. Denise is against him leaving and they have a falling out, but Carmel warns her not to let things end badly, so they make amends and he explains that all he sees in Walford is ghosts of the past. Masood says goodbye to his friends and leaves Walford with Kamil, with Jane saying they will always be here if he needs them. He and Kamil then leave, returning to Pakistan.

A year later, Masood visits the Square to tell Carmel he is evicting her at the end of the year. Several months later, he moves in his uncle

Daisy (Amelie Smith), moves in and Masood is left to look after her but she goes missing when he leaves the room. The police are contacted, and in the search for Daisy, Masood's ice cream van is found and he is forced to reveal his lack of success to his family. Ian finds Daisy and returns her to the Ahmeds, but delays taking her back because Masood joked to him that Arshad and Mariam religiously brainwash children. The police are unimpressed and a report has to be filed about Daisy's disappearance, which Masood worries will harm his family's fostering. Masood moves in with Arshad and Mariam, who want Masood to pay rent despite owning the house, and Masood gains a job as a barman at The Vic, pretending to Arshad and Mariam he is a salesman. Masood quits his job from The Vic when Arshad finds out he is a barman, though he is taken on at Ian's fish shop, though customers do not like Masood's Indian twist. However, Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney) who has mistakenly eaten Masood's samosas thinking that it was a bonus lunch, tells Masood to sell them on the market. Masood is ashamed to ask Mariam for the recipe to the samosas and lies that he needs her to cook them for his date. Mariam makes them but discovers that Masood is lying and she believes that he wants a new wife. Mariam arranges a date between him and a lawyer named Noor, but he eventually tells Mariam the truth and she agrees to help him. Masood sells the samosas in the chip shop in secret but Ian's mother, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth
), finds out and sacks him, however, she gives his job back when she realises the samosas are increasing trade. However, when Ian returns from a trip, he sacks Masood after Masood requests a cut of the profits from the samosa sales.

Masood then plans to sell street food but his old van has been vandalised and he asks

Shakil Kazemi (Shaheen Jafargholi), who has been stabbed, and puts him in the recovery position. Ian and Masood argue over the restaurant, especially when Ian's flyers barely mention Masood's side of the business and Masood lies about getting the cheque from the investor. Ian is humiliated when he gets locked inside Masood's van due to a broken lock, especially after not realising the passenger works and Kathy lets him out. Club manager Mel Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite
), who Ian is trying to impress, clashes with Ian and Masood over where their van is parked, and is unhappy every time it is moved. She tells Ian that parking it in a commercial street violates a rule and she will report them to the council. Ian lies to Masood that Mel complained to the council, but Masood realises and tells Ian to stop cutting him out of the business, and Ian tells Mel that they can work together to increase each other's business. Ian pretends to be ill to Masood so he can discuss business with Mel and when Masood finds out, he him the van will be called "Masood at Walford East" and Ian cannot object.

While working together in the restaurant, Masood and Kathy share some lingering looks and touches. When the restaurant launches, Ian catches Masood and Kathy kissing, which causes an argument and a Walford Gazette photographer captures Ian throwing cake at Masood. Ian is humiliated by the news report and decides to cut Masood out of the business and change the menu. Ian accuses Kathy of never listening to him, breaking her promise to "be his mum again" and always wanting something else than her family, so Kathy ends things with Masood. Masood finds out Tamwar and Nancy are to marry in Australia. When Kathy returns from a holiday, she tells Masood she wants a proper relationship with him; he says he wants the same and they kiss. They tell Ian about their relationship, and Masood asks Kathy to be his guest at Tamwar and Nancy's wedding and then says he wants them both to live in Australia. However, Kathy says she needs to stay in Walford because Ian's son,

Habiba Ahmed (Rukku Nahar
), arrive and tell Masood they will look after the restaurant and his house while he is in Australia and Masood allows it because he knows Ian and Max will not like it. Masood and Kathy share one last kiss before he leaves Walford to live in Australia.

In July 2024, Jane is seen on the phone to Masood and it is revealed that them two have reunited.

Creation

Masood, as he appeared in 2011.

Background

Masood was one of several

Muslim family to join the show since the Karims, who appeared between 1987 and 1990, and they were the first Asian family to be introduced since the unsuccessful Ferreira family in 2003. Panned by critics and viewers, the Ferreiras were dismissed as unrealistic by the Asian community in the UK, and were eventually axed in 2005.[3][4]

The introduction of more ethnic minority characters is part of Santer's plan to "diversify", to make EastEnders "feel more 21st century".[5] Prior to 2007, EastEnders was heavily criticised by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), for not representing the East End's real "ethnic make-up". It was suggested that the average proportion of visible minority faces on EastEnders was substantially lower than the actual ethnic minority population in East London boroughs, and it therefore reflected the East End in the 1960s, not the East End of the 2000s. Furthermore, it was suggested that an element of "tokenism" and stereotyping surrounded many of the minority characters in EastEnders.[6] The expansion of minority representation in EastEnders provides "more opportunities for audience identification with its characters, hence a wider appeal."[7] Trevor Phillips, CRE chair, said: "balanced representation of ethnic minority communities in the media matters. The industry has a key part to play in this, it is a powerful tool and can go a long way towards helping to build an integrated society."[8]

Casting

Ganatra, who appeared in Bride and Prejudice and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was cast in the role of Masood Ahmed.[9] Ganatra had never acted in a soap before his role in EastEnders. He commented: "I have grown up with this show and it seems to have become a part of the British fabric. But friends in America, Canada and India have all seen it or heard of it so it ain't [sic] just this island that it has an impact on... The executive producer, Diederick [Santer], along with casting agent Julia, have been very open and welcoming. I am nervous but excited. I have been watching the show and it is really gripping me. The quality of actors are great, so I am really looking forward to working with them."[2]

Ganatra and Wadia have previous experience of playing a married couple. Both starred alongside each other in the play D'Yer Eat With Your Fingers? Wadia commented: "I'm absolutely thrilled as he's a fantastic actor. It's great fun working with Nitin as we both speak Gujarati which means we can have a bit of fun on set!... He is a good friend. Another good thing about Mrs Masood's great relationship with her husband is that he shows her softer side — with him, you will get to see her smile!"[2][9]

Personality

Ganatra discussed his character in 2010, suggesting that Masood is very flexible: "You'll get a different response from him in almost every situation. He's not predicable. He has his lighter moments and then his darker moments. It gives a lot of colour to play with."[10]

Development

In December 2009, Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) attempt to con Masood and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), but they realise and double bluff them. Ganatra revealed that he enjoyed the storyline, "as I got to shout at Phil and Max a lot. As [Masood] I never get to act with anyone else other than his batty family. It was the first time I’ve exchanged any dialogue with Jake Wood and I’ve only said one line to Steve McFadden in two years."[11]

The character was indirectly involved in a storyline about Muslim homosexuality in 2010, when he discovered that his eldest son Syed was having an adulterous relationship with a man,

John Partridge).[10] Discussing his character's reaction, Ganatra said, "Masood's world falls apart. [...] Masood has no idea what to do with what he's seen and ends up looking for advice from the imam at the mosque. [...] Masood's given a choice – either the community will disown the family or the family will have to disown Syed. [...] Masood [says] predatory things to Syed and Christian, teasing them about knowing. So in a very subtle way, he lets them both know that he's aware of what's going on and they'd better stop. [...] At first, it's not about what Syed's going through at all. It's about how it makes the family look. It's a very different dilemma to Zainab's. She's a reactive character, whereas Masood's pointing out that there's a bigger picture. Although Zainab appears to be the head of the household, they come from a patriarchal background. It's up to the father of the family to sort situations like this out - and in their culture, you're left with two choices: reject him or be rejected as a family. The whole community could turn on the Masoods."[10]

Masood begins a relationship with Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) which is later troubled by the arrival of her ex-boyfriend David Wicks (Michael French). Ganatra told Jon Peake from TV Choice that Masood is not threatened by David's arrival.[12] But David's manipulative and clever personality develops a rivalry. The actor explained that Carol's theme of falling in love with David soon becomes "Masood's anguish". He wants reassurance but Carol is oblivious to Masood's concerns. Ganatra had worried that Wadia's departure would leave his character without direction. But he was delighted to receive the chance to work with other actors. The actor concluded that Masood had left a thirty-year relationship and wanted him to develop unlikable traits and be bad enough to stop David from winning Carol.[12]

Departures and returns

In September 2016, it was announced that Ganatra had quit his role. His exit meant that there were no members of the Masood family left in the show at that time. Speaking of his decision to leave, Ganatra stated: ‘When I trained as an actor, I set out to play many different characters and never did I know that I would be so fortunate to have found a character that I have loved playing for nine years. However, after thinking long and hard, I have decided that it is time to get back out there and take on some other roles. I will of course miss everyone at EastEnders – I have had a brilliant time there, and who knows, one day Masood may be back." Ganatra also tweeted: "Genuinely touched by the response to news of my leaving #EastEnders. And thank you for the #masood love!!!"

Julia's Theme being played over it. On 3 October 2017, it was announced that Ganatra would return to the show a year after his departure. Masood's return includes new Ahmed family members. Of his return, Ganatra said that it was a "lovely surprise" to be asked back and explained that he had been told that Masood "has still much to give to the show and is missed by the audience", saying he found it "hard to refuse".[14]
Masood's return aired on 28 November 2017.

On 26 January 2019, it was announced that Ganatra had chosen to leave the show once again. The actor said: "When I was asked to return to EastEnders, it was always with the intention of helping set up new Asian characters that continue the Masood family adventures," he explained. "With Arshad and Mariam at the helm and with the arrival of the feisty sisters

Habiba, I can now venture off to new horizons as an actor. I am still deeply attached to Masood and have invested much emotion into making this character memorable," Nitin continued. "I am in awe of how loved he is by audiences and fans of all ages, from all cultures and religions and walks of life. Thank you. I am humbled by the love. I will of course miss EastEnders and the wonderful people that work tirelessly to bring audiences dramatic, funny and compelling stories." An EastEnders spokesperson added: "Nitin has been a wonderful addition to the cast and we wish him all the very best for the future."[15]
He departed on-screen in the episode broadcast on 19 February 2019, during the show's 34th anniversary. Arshad and Mariam left the show later in 2019, while Habiba and Iqra departed in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Masood's granddaughter, Jade, returns in 2023, but departs in 2024, being the last Masood family member to appear on the soap.

Other appearances

Masood appears in the spin-off series EastEnders: E20. In episode 1 of series 1, Fatboy (Ricky Norwood) attempts to sell him Zsa Zsa Carter's (Emer Kenny) belongings that he found but he leaves when Leon Small (Sam Attwater) interrupts. In episode 2 of series 2, Masood is on the tube clutching his rucksack and Stevie Dickinson (Amanda Fairbank-Hynes) suspects he is a terrorist, and tells him that love can heal his pain but Naz Mehmet (Emaa Hussen) pulls her away. Later, a drunken Stevie apologises and when Masood notices she is cold and wet, he offers her his coat. In episode 4, Stevie returns the coat while Masood is working on the market, and attempts to flirt with him, but her tactics fail. She later returns and flirts again, asking if she has any work going and he asks her to come back the next day. She thinks her flirting has worked so goes back but ends up flashing her bra, so Naz ushers her away. In episode 6 he comes out during the power cut caused by Stevie and Sol Levi (Tosin Cole) and asks why Stevie's is the only flat with electricity. In episode 10, Stevie kisses Masood, saying one day they will have tea together.

Reception

Masood, along with the rest of his family, was criticised by actor Deepak Verma, who played Sanjay Kapoor between 1993 and 1998. He said that EastEnders had failed to portray Asian families in a realistic manner, branding the family "two-dimensional and ill-conceived". A BBC spokesperson responded by saying "It's a shame Deepak feels that way but that's clearly his personal opinion. The Masood family have proved to be hugely popular with EastEnders viewers."[16]

Ganatra has received a number of award nominations for his portrayal of Masood, including Best Actor at the 2010 and 2011

British Soap Awards[17][18] and Best Actor at the 2010 and 2011 Inside Soap Awards.[19][20] Additionally, Ganatra and Wadia shared the award for 'Best On-Screen Partnership' at the 2009 British Soap Awards.[21] In 2011 Inside Soap readers voted Masood their least favourite member of his family.[22]

See also

References

  1. ^ "EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra to leave Masood Ahmed role". Radio Times. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Two new characters join Eastenders Asian family". Asians in Media. 30 July 2007. Archived from the original on 3 May 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  3. ^ Taylor, Joanna (10 August 2004). "'Unrealistic' Ferreira family dismissed by Asian viewers". The Stage. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  4. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (31 October 2004). "EastEnder accuses BBC of discrimination". Digital Spy. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  5. ^ Armstrong, Stephen (8 October 2007). "The art of storytelling". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  6. ^ Myall, Steve (21 April 2002). "EastEnders hasn't got enough black and Asian actors". Sunday Mirror. Archived from the original on 14 October 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  7. ^ "EastEnders". Museum of Broadcast Communications. Archived from the original on 21 January 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  8. ^ "Coronation Street and EastEnders battle it out for coveted CRE Race In the Media Award". Commission for Racial Equality. 1 June 2005. Archived from the original on 12 April 2006. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  9. ^ a b "Two new Masoods". BBC Online. 30 July 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2009.[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ a b c "Nitin Ganatra (Masood Ahmed, 'EastEnders')". Digital Spy. 13 April 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
  11. ^ "EastEnder's Nitin Ganatra on Masood kissing Jane!". What's on TV. 8 December 2009. Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  12. ^ a b Peake, Jon (28 September – 4 October 2013). "Bitter rivals". TV Choice (40): 21.
  13. ^ "EastEnders' Nitin Ganatra quits his role as Masood Ahmed after nine years". 3 September 2016. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  14. ^ "Masood is returning to EastEnders and he isn't alone". Metro. 3 October 2017. Archived from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  15. ^ Seddon, Dan (26 January 2019). "EastEnders confirms Nitin Ganatra is leaving the soap". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  16. ^ Martin, Lara (20 July 2009). "Former 'Enders star slams Asian portrayal". Digital Spy. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
  17. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Archived
    from the original on 6 November 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  18. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Archived
    from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
  19. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Archived from the original
    on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  20. ^ "In Full: Inside Soap Awards 2011 Nominees". Digital Spy. 11 July 2011. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
  21. ^ Green, Kris; KilKelly, Daniel (10 May 2009). "British Soap Awards 2009: The Winners". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  22. ^ "Your verdict". Inside Soap: 97. 12 April 2011.
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